Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionChinese officials announced plans to expand Belt and Road Initiative trade and industrial cooperation during the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030. Priorities include integrating shipping and logistics corridors connecting China to Gulf transport hubs alongside investments in green energy, cross-border e-commerce, digital infrastructure, and AI.
Oman's Asyad Group has commenced commercial operations on a multimodal 'Green Corridor' connecting the Port of Duqm to Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. Cargo moves overland from Duqm via the Khatm Al-Shiklah border crossing and Al Ain Dry Port to Khalifa Port, connecting onward into Gulf distribution networks. The corridor operates on weekly container shipments supported by a coordinated cross-border customs framework.
Gabon is planning to revive its long-delayed Mabounié niobium and rare-earths project through a proposed $2 billion investment involving Emirati-backed New Energy Metals and China ENFI Engineering Corporation. A technical study was presented to Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his official visit to Beijing. The project targets a 2027 construction start and is expected to generate over 2,500 direct jobs alongside domestic processing facilities.
Under the UAE Civil Transactions Law, contractual disruption is treated under two distinct statutory regimes for impossibility and hardship. Article 236 automatically rescinds bilateral contracts in cases of total impossibility, while Article 224 grants courts discretion to adjust onerous obligations or terminate contracts.
According to the 'Leading Maritime Cities 2026' report compiled by DNV and Menon Economics, Dubai ranked as the Middle East's top maritime city and 12th globally, while Abu Dhabi rose to 15th place. Dubai placed fifth globally in a newly introduced maritime resilience category and second for maritime headquarters relocation. The biennial report assessed 50 maritime cities worldwide based on industry data and assessments from 208 maritime experts.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The UAE Federal Tax Authority issued Decision No. 6 of 2026, establishing new compliance rules for Qualifying Free Zone Persons distributing goods in or from Designated Zones. To preserve their 0% Corporate Tax rate, eligible distributors must obtain an annual Independent Agreed-Upon Procedures report from an external auditor. The requirement applies to tax periods starting on or after January 1, 2026.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has issued compliance guidance under Decision No. 6 of 2026 for Qualifying Free Zone Persons distributing goods in or from Designated Zones. Businesses must commission an independent Agreed-Upon Procedures report to retain the 0% Corporate Tax rate. Failure to submit the report within 30 days after the tax filing deadline will trigger the standard 9% tax rate.
The Oman Investment Authority concluded its largest single-day package of investment agreements with Chinese partners during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to China. The deals cover renewable energy, logistics, digital infrastructure, mining, and financial services, including joint funds with the Silk Road Fund and China Merchants Bank. Industrial partnerships also include battery storage projects, logistics facilities with JD.com, and copper mining contracts.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Culture, and Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin visited the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund pavilion at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair. Discussions centered on AI-driven content tools, cross-border market entry for publishers, and bilateral cooperation frameworks. Officials also noted that 16 commercial projects graduated from the fund's Launch track in 2026.
Chinese energy and engineering companies participated in the 42nd Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi. Exhibitors presented digital, intelligent, and low-carbon solutions across oil and gas operations. Multiple Chinese enterprises signed bilateral agreements with Middle Eastern partners covering supply chain integration, workforce training, and infrastructure.
UAE Ministry of Culture Undersecretary Mubarak Al Nakhi and Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin visited the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) pavilion at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair. The officials reviewed the Fund's incubation tracks and examined prospective joint ventures in AI-powered publishing technology with startup KlooBR. Onshur highlighted its 16 graduated projects in 2026 and strategic investments.
A municipal delegation from Yancheng, led by Acting Mayor Wu Wei, visited the UAE for economic and trade engagements. The delegation discussed artificial intelligence and petroleum equipment with regional groups and visited Abu Dhabi Global Market. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed between Vinson Law Firm and the Yannan High-tech Zone.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Dubai Chambers has held the Quality Performance Lab event in collaboration with the Chartered Quality Institute UAE Network to coincide with World Quality Week 2026. The interactive workshop convened 70 business community representatives and corporate specialists across quality, operations, customer experience, and strategy. The initiative aimed to help companies adopt international best practices, resolve operational challenges, and improve operational efficiency.
Energy & Sustainability
Chinese solar cell manufacturer Hainan Drinda New Energy Technology has cancelled plans to build a 5GW TOPCon manufacturing plant in Oman. The company cited international tariff conditions, Middle East geopolitical instability, local supply chain delays, and proposed Chinese export controls.
Energy & Sustainability
More than 200 Chinese and Arab enterprises gathered alongside representatives from 22 Arab nations for the 2026 China-Arab political and business dialogues. The forum highlighted a new direct shipping route between Suzhou and Jeddah that cuts shipping times by two to three days. Discussions also centered on autonomous marine robotics deployed in over 70 international ports and potential co-investment in green infrastructure.
Energy & Sustainability
The Oman Investment Authority has signed a series of bilateral investment agreements with Chinese institutions and companies in Beijing during a state visit by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The deals include an $800 million fund with the Silk Road Fund and a $300 million fund with China Merchants Bank. Additional partnerships target renewable energy, mining, logistics, and digital technology.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Official travel advisory
Doha, Qatar
Official travel advisory
Saudi Arabia, Yemeni border area within 10 km, civilian airports
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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